Rue Saint-Vincent

The Rue Saint-Vincent is a street in the 18th arrondissement in Paris shared with Montmartre, the district considered to be the artistic center in the city of Paris. Rue Saint-Vincent is a less famous street in Paris, owing to its modesty both in terms of size and activity. The street is named after Saint Vincent-de-Paul, a saint canonized in 1737.

The biggest thing that puts Rue Saint-Vincent on the map is the vineyard, which is actually one of the biggest in Paris. For a long time, most people have associated other regions of France with wine tasting and grape harvesting, and tourists with a knack for that always travel to Bordeaux, Champagne and regions like that. But right in the district of Montmartre lays this hidden vineyard that manages an impressive 1500 plus bottles of wine annually. If anything, this goes to show that Paris can manage to marvel with its historic monuments and its fascinating architectural styles as well as provide an insight into its favorite pastime.

Vineyards didn’t always exist on the Rue Saint-Vincent, or even in the greater district of Montmartre. In fact, the flourishing vineyards were almost converted to real estate but a plea in the early 1930s managed to save them. These many decades later, the vineyards flourish, much to the pleasure of the wine lovers who appreciate the wines produced which are usually gamay and pinot noir. The best time to visit the area is during the Harvest Festival or Fete des Vendages.

Because Montmartre is all about artistry, there is a cabaret in the district, close to the monumental Sacre Coeur Basilica that sits on top of the hill. It’s so named Cabaret du Lapin Agile, or the Nimble Rabbit Cabaret. The name was derived from a painted sign in 1875 that depicted a rabbit jumping out of a saucepan. The work was frequently discussed in the region, and the name Le Lapin a Gill was conceived. As time passed by the name Cabaret du Lapin Agile came around, and stuck.

The cabaret was a popular destination from all kinds of artists, from students to eccentrics who wanted to learn and express their artistic sides. It is preserved in traditional with the building reserving its 18th century charm. The interior have wooden tables and French songs dating back to the 15th century. In the Lapin Agille, one gets a chance to soak into the true Parisian culture. The approach taken by the cabaret is very informal, with performers interacting with the people around them, as opposed to staying inside the confines of the stage. The walls have everything from poems to paintings to indicate its passage through time. Pablo Picasso, one of the most celebrated painters of all time used to spend time at the Cabaret du Lapin Agile back when he was still struggling.

While the Rue Saint-Vincent does not total to an attraction on its own, passing by, say on your way to the Sacre-Coeur Basilica is encouraged. You will especially love it if wine is one of your favorite indulgences.